Green Gem Boxwood

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Aim for a spot that receives 5-6 hours of sun, ideally morning sun, and dappled shade in the afternoon. While 'Green Gem' can handle full sun, the intense summer rays or winter exposure can cause the foliage to bronze, shifting its deep green color.
• Soil: The one essential requirement is excellent drainage; Boxwood roots hate "wet feet" and will quickly succumb to root rot in soggy conditions. If you have heavy clay, incorporate plenty of coarse organic matter, like compost, or plant on a slight berm to ensure water sheds away quickly.

Watering Requirements

For the first year or two, your Boxwood needs consistent moisture to establish its shallow root system, so water deeply once a week, especially in hot, dry weather. Once it is established, 'Green Gem' is quite drought tolerant and will only require supplemental watering during extended dry periods. Inconsistent watering, however, will stress the plant, leading to yellowing leaves and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Pruning Tips

Boxwood is grown for its foliage and produces growth on new wood. The best long-term care involves thinning, which means reaching inside the shrub and snipping small branches to open up the canopy. Perform this in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thinning is essential because it allows sunlight and air to penetrate the interior, preventing the fungal issues that thrive in dense, damp foliage and ensuring a healthy, full shrub.

Fertilizer Needs

'Green Gem' is not a heavy feeder, so a light application of a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) in early spring is usually all it needs to support its new foliage. What to avoid: Do not feed your Boxwood after mid-July. Fertilizing too late in the season encourages a soft flush of new growth that will not have time to harden off before fall frosts, resulting in tender tip burn and damage.